Breastfeeding Your Baby - Prince Edward Island · Breastfeeding Your Baby eat (Adapted and Reprinted with the Permission of Toronto Public Health)3 Make an informed decision about

Breastfeeding Your Baby8 1 1

healthpei.ca/publichealth

Health PEl (Adapted and Reprinted with the Permission of Toronto Public Health)Breastfeeding Your Baby

Table of contents

Our baby-friendly promise ....................................................................................................................................2Make an informed decision about feeding your baby .....................................................................................3Skin-to-skin .............................................................................................................................................................4Get off to a good start.............................................................................................................................................6• Signsofhunger• VitaminD

Learning to breastfeed...........................................................................................................................................8• Baby-ledlatching• Breastfeedingpositions• Latchingyourbaby

How to tell if your baby is getting enough breast milk ...................................................................................12Caring for your breasts ..........................................................................................................................................15• Generalbreastcare• Caringforbreaststhatarehard• Caringforsore/painfulnipples

Expressing breast milk ..........................................................................................................................................17• Howtoexpressbreastmilkbyhand• Storingexpressedbreastmilk• Travellingwithexpressedbreastmilk• Thawingfrozenbreastmilk• Feedingexpressedbreastmilk(bycuporbottle)

Caring for yourself ..................................................................................................................................................23• Breastfeedingandhealthyeating• Breastfeedingandmedications• Breastfeedingandcontraception(birthcontrol)

Breastfeeding in public .........................................................................................................................................25Breastfeeding after the first 6 months ................................................................................................................26• Breastchanges• Developmentalchanges• Teething• Nursingstrikes

Changes in your life ...............................................................................................................................................28• Returningtoworkorschool• Breastfeedingwhenyouarepregnant

Questions about breastfeeding ............................................................................................................................30Where to get help ...................................................................................................................................................32

Health PEl (Adapted and Reprinted with the Permission of Toronto Public Health)

Our baby-friendly promise

• Wesupporttheinfantfeedingchoicesofallfamilies.

• Weprovidefamilieswithinformationaboutfeedingtheirbabies.

• Wehaveapolicythatprotects,promotesandsupportsbreastfeeding.Ourstaffaretrainedtofollowthispolicy.

• Weinformpregnantmothersandfamiliesabouttheimportanceofbreastfeeding.

• Weencouragemothersandtheirfamiliestoholdandfeedtheirbabiesskin-to-skinasmuchaspossible.

• Wesupportmothersandfamiliestofeedtheirbabiesbreastmilkonlyforthefirst6monthsandtocontinuetobreastfeedaddingsolidfoodsat6months.

• WeworkwithcommunitypartnerstosupportbreastfeedinginPEI.

• Wedonotgiveoutinfantformula,bottles,nipples,orpacifiers.

• Wewelcomemotherstobreastfeedanytime,anywhereinPEI.

2

Health PEl (Adapted and Reprinted with the Permission of Toronto Public Health)Breastfeeding Your Baby 3

Make an informed decision about feeding your baby

Howyoufeedyourbabywillbeoneofthemostimportantdecisionsyouwillmakeasaparent.Thisinformationcanhelpyoumakeaninformeddecisionandbeonyourwaytogivingyourbabyahealthystart.

Breast milk is all your baby needs for the first 6 months. Giving your baby other foods or liquids before 6 months may decrease your breast milk supply and may affect your baby’s health.

Breastfeeding

Breastmilkwillhelpprotectyourbabyfrom:• beingoverweightorobese• boweldisease• coughsandcolds• diabetes• earinfections• SuddenInfantDeathSyndrome(SIDS)• somechildhoodcancers• theeffectsoftoxinsintheenvironment

Breastfeedingwillhelpprotectyoufrom:• breastcancer• diabetes• ovariancancer

Breastfeedingpromotesclosenessandbondingofmotherandbaby

Infant formula

Infantformula:• doesnotchangetomeetyourbaby’sgrowingneeds

• doesnotprotectyourbabyfrominfectionsanddiarrhea

• isnotsterile(powderedform)• isnotrecommendedforbabieslessthan2monthsofage(powderedform)

Challengeswithinfantformulainclude:• extratimeisneededtosterilizeequipment• mistakescanbemadeduringpreparation

Health PEl (Adapted and Reprinted with the Permission of Toronto Public Health)4

Skin-to-skin

Your bare chest is the best place for your baby to adjust to life outside the womb.

Immediatelyafterbirthholdyourbabybelly-downonyourchestortummy.Thefirsthoursofsnugglingskin-to-skinhelpyouandyourbabybondandgettoknoweachother.Keepcuddlingskin-to-skinasoftenaspossibleinthemonthsafterbirth.Thebenefitsforbondingandbreastfeedingcontinuelongafterthat.Skin-to-skinisalsobetterforbabiesbornprematurelyorbyCaesareanbirth.

Benefits for babies • breastfeedbetter

• crylessandarecalmer

• staywarmer

• enjoymorecomfortfromyou

• havebetterbloodsugarlevels

• areprotectedbysomeofyour goodbacteria

Benefits for mothers• breastfeedmoreeasily

• learnwhenyourbabyisgettinghungry

• bondmorewithyourbaby

• gainconfidenceandsatisfactioncaring foryourbaby

Benefits for breastfeeding• yourbabyismorelikelytohavea successfulfirstbreastfeed

• yourbabymaybreastfeedsoonerandlonger

• youwillmakemorebreastmilk

• helpsyourbabybreastfeedwhensleepy


Skin-to-skin is easy. Here’s how:1. Takeoffyourbaby’sblanketsandclothing.Leaveadiaperon.

2. Moveyourclothingawayfromyourchestandtummy.

3. Holdyourbaby,facingyou,againstyourchestortummy.

4. Youcanputablanketoveryouandyourbaby.

5. Enjoytheclosenessandbondingwithyourbaby.

Note:Babiesunder6monthsoldshouldbeplacedontheirbackinacriborcradleclosetoyourbedwhenyouarereadytosleep.ItisimportantthatcribsandcradlesmeetcurrentCanadiansafetyregulations.

Family and skin-to-skinYourfamilymemberscanalsospendskin-to-skintimewithyourbaby.Ifyouhaveapartner,planskin-to-skintimetogetherwithyourbaby.It’sagreatwayforyouandyourpartnertospendtimetogetherandbondwithyourbaby.

As your baby grows continue to hold your baby skin-to-skin.


Get off to a good start

Breastfeedyourbabyimmediatelyafterbirth.Yourbabyisawakeandreadytolearnhowtobreastfeedduringthistime.Breastfeedingearlywillhelpyoutomakemorebreastmilk.

Inthefirstfewdaysyouwillproducebreastmilk(colostrum)thatis:

• thicklikehoney

• yellowincolour

• highincalories

• smallinamount(butallyourbabyneeds)

Asyoucontinuetobreastfeedoverthenextfewdays,yourbreastmilkwill:

• becomemorewhiteincolour

• increaseinamount

• meetallyourbaby’snutritionalneeds

Having your baby breastfeed well and often in the first week will help you to build a healthy breast milk supply.


Signs of hungerBabieswillletyouknowwhentheyarehungry;thefollowingaresignsthatyourbabyishungryandneedstobreastfeed.Yourbaby:

• makessuckingorsoftsounds

• putsherhandsinhermouth

• ismakingmorebodymovements

• makessuckingorlickingmovementswithhermouth

Donotgiveyourbabypacifiersorbottles.Babiesneedtolearnhowtosuckatthebreast.Ifyoumakeaninformeddecisiontousepacifiersorbottlesitisbesttowaituntilbreastfeedingiswellestablished,usuallyaround4-6weeks.

Vitamin DHealthCanadarecommendsgivingallbreastfedbabiesadailyVitaminDsupplement(10ugor 400IU),startingfrombirthtooneyearofage.

Breastfeed your baby when your baby is calm and before your baby is too hungry and crying.


Learning to breastfeed

Baby-led latching is a natural and simple way for your baby to find your breast.

Baby-led latchingBaby-ledlatchingcanbeencouragedafteryourbabyisborn.Itisalsohelpfulwhenyour:

• babyislearningtobreastfeed

• babyisnotbreastfeedingwell

• nipplesaresore

• startwhenyourbabyiscalm

• sitcomfortablyandleanbackalittle

• holdyourbabyskintoskin(tummytotummy)onyourupperchestandbetweenyourbreasts

• yourbabywillstartmovingherheadupanddownlookingforyourbreast(thismaylooklikebobbingorpecking)

•supportyourbaby’sneck,shoulders,andbottomwithyourarmandhandwhileshemovestowardsyourbreast

• yourbabywill:

1.movetowardsyourbreast

2.findyournipple

3.pushherchinintoyourbreast

4.reachupwithanopenmouth

5.latchontoyourbreast

• itmayhelptobringyourbaby’sbottomclosetoyourbodyand/orgivesupporttoyourbaby’sbackandshoulders

•onceyourbabyislatched,youandyourbabycanfindacomfortableposition


Breastfeeding positions Therearemanydifferentpositionsforbreastfeeding.Herearesomebreastfeedingpositionsthatmayworkforyouandyourbaby.

Try different breastfeeding positions. Choose a breastfeeding position that allows you to be relaxed and comfortable. With all positions make sure your back and arms are well supported.

Cross cradleThispositionworkswellifyou:• arelearningtobreastfeed• haveasmallbaby

Cradle positionThispositionworkswell:• afteryouarecomfortablewithbreastfeeding

Football positionThispositionworkswellifyou:• arelearningtobreastfeed• havedifficultymaintainingalatch• haveasmallbaby• havelargebreasts• haveflatorsorenipples• hadaCaesareanbirth

Side-lying positionThispositionworkswellifyou:• findittoopainfultosit• wanttorestwhenyoubreastfeed• havelargebreasts• hadaCaesareansection


Latching your baby

Getcomfortableandfindapositionthatworkswellforyou(seeBreastfeeding positionsonpage9).

Makesurethatyouarecomfortablewithyourbackandarmswellsupportedandyourbaby’stummyisfacingyou(placeyourbabyonhersideexceptinthefootballposition–forthefootballposition,placeyourbabyonherbackorslightlyturnedtoyourbreast).

Holdyourbreastinyourhand.Thumbisontopandfingersarebelowyourbreast.

Faceyourbaby’snosetoyournipple.Strokeyourbaby’slowerlipwithyournipple.Waituntilbaby’smouthiswideopenlikeayawn.

Bringyourbaby,chinfirsttoyourbreast.Hermouthshouldcoverlotsofthedarkareabelowthenipple(about11/2inches).

Yourbabyislatchedproperlyonthebreastwhen:

• hermouthisopenedwide

• herlipsarecurledout

• herchinispressedintoyourbreast

• sheissuckingandswallowingbreastmilk

Having a good latch will help you make enough breast milk and help your baby to breastfeed well. It will also help prevent pain when breastfeeding.


Ifyourbabyfallsasleepwhilebreastfeeding,squeezeyourbreasttohelpthebreastmilkflow.Donotsqueezesohardthatithurts.Thiswillhelpyourbabytostartsuckingagain.

Alsotrytakingyourbaby’sclothesofforchangingherdiaper. Gentlymassageyourbaby’sback,feet,orhands.

Ifyouwanttotakeyourbabyoffyourbreast,breakthesuctionby:

• slippingyourfingerintothecornerofyourbaby’smouth,OR;

• pullingdownonyourbaby’schin.

Offerthesecondbreastwhenyourbabynolongerhasstrong“deepandslow”sucksandyourbreastsfeelsofter.Yourbabymayonlybreastfeedashorttimeonthesecondbreast.Atthenextbreastfeedingofferthebreastthatfeelsthefullest.


How to tell if your baby is getting enough breast milk

1. Your baby is breastfeeding well when…

You feel:

• yourbreastbeingpulledwithnopain

You hear:

• yourbabyswallowing(aquiet,exhaled“kaakaakaa”)

You see:

• awideopenmouth

• curledoutlips

• chinpressedintoyourbreasts

• suckingandswallowing(quickandshallowatthebeginninganddeepandslowasthebreastmilkstartstoflow)

Atthestartofthebreastfeedyourbabywillhaveshallowandquicksucks.Whenyourbreastmilkstartstoflow,thesucksshouldbecomedeepandslow.Thereshouldbeapauseduringthesuckingwhenyourbaby’smouthopenswidest.Yourbabyisdrinkingbreastmilkduringthispause.

MouthopeningPausewhenmouthisopenedthewidest.Babyisdrinking

duringthispause.Mouthclosing

Milk


2. Wet diapers and stools

Baby’s age

1dayold

2daysold

3daysold

4daysold

5-6daysoldandolder

6weeksto6months

Stools each day

• Atleast1-2stickydarkgreen/blackstools(meconium)

• Atleast1-2stickydarkgreen/blackstools(meconium)

• 3ormorebrown/green/yellowstools

• 3ormorebrown/green/yellowstools

• 3ormorelarge,soft,yellow,seedystools(alargestoolisthesizeofaquarterorlarger)

Baby should not be passing any meconium at this age

• 3-4perdayor1verylarge,soft,yellow,seedystool/week

After6weekssomebreastfedbabiesmayonlyhave1verylargeyellowstoolevery1-7days.Thisisnormalaslongasthestoolissoftliketoothpaste,orseedy,andwatery,andyourbabyishealthy.Itisalsonormalforsomebreastfedbabiestohavemanystoolseachday.

Wet diapers each day

* At all ages urine should be clear to pale yellow with almost no smell

• Atleast1wetdiaper(awetdiaperfeelslikeatleast2tablespoonsor30mlofwaterpouredonadrydiaper)

• Atleast2wetdiapers

• Atleast3heavywetdiapers (aheavywetdiaperfeelslikeatleast3tablespoonsor45mlofwateronadrydiaper)

• Atleast4heavywetdiapers




3. Weight gain

Breastfedbabies:

• maylose7%orlessoftheirbirthweightinthefirst3daysafterbirth

• shouldreturntotheirbirthweightby10daysofage

• shouldshowapatternofweightgainbyday5

• shouldgainatleast20-35grams(2⁄3-1¼oz)adayinthefirst3-4monthsofage

4. Growth spurts

Growthspurtsarethetimesyourbabygrowsmorequicklyandwillneedmorebreastmilk.Thesespurtsoccurfrequentlyinthefirstfewmonths.Duringthesetimesbreastfeedmoreoftenwhenyourbabyseemshungry.Therearenosettimestobreastfeedyourbaby.Mostbabieswillbreastfeedatleast8timesin24hours(dayandnight).Yourbreastmilksupplywillincrease.

5. Other signs that your baby is breastfeeding well:

• babyhasaloudcry

• baby’smouthiswetandpink

• baby’seyeslookalert

• babymovesactively

• babycomesoffthebreastlooking relaxedandsleepy

• breastsfeelsofterandlessfull afterbreastfeeding

Get help right awayifyourbabyisnotshowingsignsofbreastfeedingwell.

Breastfeeding is a learned skill for mothers and babies. It requires patience and practice. Don’t hesitate to ask for help.


Caring for your breasts

General breast care• Rinseyourbreastswithwateronlyandairdry.Donotusesoaponyournipples.Soapmaydryyournipplesandcausethemtocrack.

• Wearabrathatfitswellandisnottootight.Donotwearabrawithunderwire.

• Afterbreastfeedingexpresssomebreastmilkontoyournipplesandthedarkareaaroundthemtohelpprotecttheskin.Letthebreastmilkdrybeforeputtingonyourbra.

Caring for breasts that are hardApplycoldorwarmthtoyourbreast,usewhicheverfeelsbest.

How to apply cold

Youcanputacoldcompressonyourbreastforafewminutes.Thiscanhelptodecreaseswelling.

Coldcompressescanbea:

• gelpackwrappedinacloth

• bagoffrozenpeas

• frozenwettowel

How to apply warmth

Youcanputwarmthonyourbreastby:

• havingawarmshoweruntilbreastmilkstartstoflow

• placingawarmtowelonyourbreastforafewminutes untilyourbreastmilkstarttoflow

Warmthmayalsobeappliedtoyourbreastbyusinga:

• warmwetdisposablediaper

• heatingpadonlow

• hotwaterbottlewrappedinacloth

Nextgentlymassageyourbreastsandexpresssomebreastmilkuntiltheareaaroundyournipplefeelssoft(seesectiononExpressing breast milkonpage17).Breastfeedyourbabyoftenuntilyourbreastsarenolongerhard.

Note:Limitcontacttocoldtoafewminutestopreventanydamagetotheskin.


Get help right away if you:

• cannotsoftenbreastsorarehavingproblemsbreastfeeding

• havearedandpainfulareaonyourbreast

• haveafever

• arefeelingsick

Caring for sore/painful nipplesTheremaybesomenippletendernessinthefirstweekafterbirth.Thisshouldgetbettereachday.

Ifyouwanttotakeyourbabyoffyourbreastbreakthesuctionby:

• slippingyourfingerintothecornerofyourbaby’smouthOR

• pullingdownonyourbaby’schin

Get help right awayifyournipplesarestillpainfulaftercheckingthatyourbabyislatchedandpositionedonthebreastproperly.

Checkthatyourbaby’s:• mouthisopenedwide• lipsarecurledout• chinispressedintoyourbreastandyourbabyissuckingandswallowingbreastmilk

Checkthatyourbaby’s:• headandbodyareraiseduptoyourbreast

• headisatthelevelofyourbreast

• chestisfacingyourtummy• mouthisfacingyournipple

Afterbreastfeeding:• expresssomebreastmilkontoyournippleandthedarkareaaroundit(onlyifthereisnonippledamageorthrush)

• letthebreastmilkdrybeforeputtingonyourbra

Breastfeeding should not be painful when your baby is positioned and latched properly.


Youmayneedtoexpressbreastmilkif:

• yourbabyishavingdifficultywithlatching

• yourbreastsaretoohardforyourbabytolatch

• youwanttogiveyourbabybreastmilkwhenyouareawayfromyourbaby

• youneedtoincreaseyourbreastmilksupply

Youcanexpressyourbreastmilkbyhandorbyusingabreastpump.Handexpressiontakestimetolearnbutwillbecomeeasierandfasterasyoupractice.Itinvolvesnocost,isalwaysavailableandcanbedoneanytime,anywhere.

How to express breast milk by hand

1. Washyourhandswithsoapandwater.

2. Ifyourbabyishealthy,usea“clean”glassorhardplastic(BPAfree)containertocollectyourexpressedbreastmilk.“Clean”meanstowashinhotsoapywater,rinsewellwithhotwaterandleavetoairdryonacleansurfaceawayfromwherefoodismade.

3. Tohelpbreastmilkbegintodrip,tryanyofthefollowing:

• placeawarmtowelonyourbreastforafewminutes

• gentlymassageyourbreasttowardsthenipple

• gentlyrollyournipplebetweenyourthumbandfinger

Expressing breast milk

Most women are able to express breast milk by hand.


4. Placeyourthumbandfirst2fingersalongtheouteredgeofthedarkarea(areola).

5. Pushyourthumband2fingersstraightbacktowardsyourchest.

6. Gentlycompressyourbreastusingyourthumbandfingersandrollfingerstowardsyournipple;thenrelaxyourfingers.

Repeat steps 4, 5 and 6 until the flow of breast milk slows down then switch to the other breast.

Tips for expressing breast milk• Expressinthemorning,whenyourbreastsfeelfullestorafterbreastfeedingyourbaby.

• Bepatient.Youmayonlygetafewdropsofbreastmilkwhenfirstlearningtoexpress.Expressingbreastmilkwillgetbetterandeasierwithpractice.

• Moveyourthumbandfingersindifferentpositionsaroundyournippletoensurethatallthebreastmilkductsareemptied.

• Switchbreastswhenevertheflowofbreastmilkslowsdown.

• Mostwomenareabletoexpressbreastmilkbyhand;howeveryoucanalsoexpressbreastmilkusingabreastpump.


Storing expressed breast milk

Containers for storing breast milk• Useglassorhardplastic(BPAfree)containerswithanair-tightlid(forexample,smalljarsandbottleswithlids).

• Specialbreastmilkfreezerbagscanalsobeused.

• Do not usebottlelinerbags.Thesearethinnerplasticbagsthatmaybreakwhenfrozen.

Cleaning the containersWashcontainersinhotsoapywaterandrinsewellwithhotwater.Letthecontainersairdryonadrycleansurfaceawayfromwherefoodismade.

* Ifyourbabyispremature(borntooearly)orinthehospital,speaktoyournurseaboutstoring breastmilkandcleaningcontainers.Sterilizedcontainersmaybeprovidedbythehospital.

Breast milk can be stored in the following ways

RoomTemperature:≤25°Cor77°Ffor6-8hours

DeepFreezerChestorUpright

-20°Cor-4°Ffor6-12months

Freezerofa2doorrefrigerator

-18°Cor0°Ffor3-6months

Refrigerator

≤4°Cor40°Ffor5days

Freshly expressed breast milk left at room temperature for more than 6-8 hours should be thrown out.

Important• Placecontainersatthebackoftherefrigeratorandfreezerwhereitisthecoldest.

• Afterthestoragetimehaspassed,throwoutthebreastmilk.


Storing Tips• Refrigerateorchillfreshlyexpressedbreastmilkwithin1hourofexpressingifyouarenotgoingtofeedittoyourbabywithin6-8hours.

• Labelcontainerswithdateandtime.

• Storeinsmalleramountstopreventwastingbreastmilk.

• Alwayscoolfreshlyexpressedbreastmilkbeforeaddingittoalreadycoolorfrozenbreastmilk.

• Leavea1inchspaceatthetopofthecontainerwhenfreezing.

Travelling with expressed breast milk Thefollowinginstructionsareforfresh,refrigeratedandfrozenexpressedbreastmilk.

Forsafety:

• carryexpressedbreastmilkinacoolerbagwithicepacks

• makesuretousewithin24hours

• ifnotusedwithin24hours,throwawaytheunusedbreastmilk

• warmbreastmilkbyplacingthecontainerinabowlofvery warmwater,orholdingitunderwarmrunningtapwater

• frozenbreastmilkthathasbeenthawedcanbekeptinthe coolerbagwiththeicepackfor24hours Insulatedcooler

withicepackfor24hours


Thawing frozen breast milk

1. Checkthedateonthestoredbreastmilk.Usethecontainerwiththeearliestdatefirst.

2. Thawfrozenbreastmilkbyleavingitintherefrigeratorfor4-24hours.

3. Placecontainerundercoolwaterrunning.Onceithasbeguntothaw,runwarmwatertofinishthawing.

4. Neverthawatroomtemperature.

5. Warmbreastmilkbyplacingthecontainerinabowlofverywarmwaterfornomorethan15minutes.

6. Donotthaworheatbreastmilkinthemicrowave.Donotrefreezeonceithasthawed.

OR

Do not refreeze breast milk once it has started to thaw.


Feeding expressed breast milk (by cup or bottle)• Shakewarmedbreastmilkwell.Checkthetemperatureonyourwrist.Letcooliftoohot.

• Holdyourbabycloseinanuprightposition.

• Makefeedingsanenjoyabletimeforyouandyourbaby.Talktoyourbabyandgivelotsofsmiles.

• Watchyourbabyswallow.Allowbabytorest.

• Burpyourbabyasneeded.Stopfeedingwhenyourbabyshowssignsofbeingfull.

• Throwawaywhatyourbabydoesnotdrinkwithin1hour.

• Donotputyourbabytobedwithabottle.

Signs your baby is finished or fullYourbaby:

• lookssleepyandcalm

• letsgoofthenipple

• closeshermouth

• turnsawayfromacuporbottle

• doesnotlookformorebreastmilk

• maystillhavesmallsucklingmovement;thisisareflexanddoesnotmeanyourbabyishungry

If you see signs your baby is full, stop feeding even if the cup or bottle is not empty.


Afterbirthyouandyourbabywillneedtimetolearntobreastfeed.Youwillalsoneedtolookafteryourselfandyourbaby.Herearesometips:

• makesleep/restapriority

• limitvisitors,telephonecallsandotherinterruptionsduringtheearlyweeks

• askforhelpwhenneeded;familyandfriendscanhelpwitheverydaythingslikemealpreparation,dishesandlaundry,keepingthehometidyandcaringforotherchildren

• accepthelpwhenoffered

Breastfeeding and healthy eatingEatingwellwhenbreastfeedinghelpsyoutofeelyourbest,recoverfromlabourandbirthandgetallthenutrientsandenergyyouneed.Herearesometipsforhealthyeating:

• eatbalancedmealsthatincludefoodfromatleast3foodgroupsandsnacksthatincludefoodsfromatleast2foodgroups

• eatsmallmealsandsnacksevery2-3hours

• haveeasytoprepare,healthysnacksavailable

• preparemealsinlargebatches;freezeandreheatforaquickmeal

• accepthelpfromfriendsandfamilywhoofferyoupreparedmeals

• avoidskippingmeals

• drinkfluidseverytimeyourbabybreastfeeds

• carryyourwaterbottlewithyou

• keepcut-upvegetablesandfruitinthefridgeand eatthemforaquicksnack

• takeamultivitamincontainingfolicacideveryday

Breastfeeding and medicationsInalmostallcasesitissafetocontinuebreastfeedingifyouneedtotakemedications.CallMotherisk1-877-439-2744(TollFree)orabreastfeedingclinicorhealthcareproviderformoreinformation.

Caring for yourself


Breastfeeding and contraception (birth control)Breastfeedingcanbeusedasamethodofbirthcontrol,butonlyifyoufollowtheserules:

1. Yourmonthlyperiodshavenotreturned.

2. Yourbabyisfullyornearlyfullybreastfed.

• fully breastfedmeansyourbabygetsallfoodfromsucklingatthebreast

• nearly fully breastfed means,inadditiontobreastfeeding,vitamins,minerals,juice,wateroranyotherfoodsaregiveninfrequently(nomorethan1or2mouthfulsaday)

• to be fully breastfed or nearly fully breastfed,yourbabyshouldbebreastfedatleastevery4hoursandnothavemorethanone6hourstretchbetweenbreastfeedingin24hours

3. Yourbabyisunder6months.

Othermethodsofbirthcontrolthatdonotaffectbreastfeedinginclude:

• condoms(maleandfemale)

• spermicides

• diaphragm–mustberefittedafterpregnancy

• I.U.D(Intra-UterineDevice)

• vasectomy

• tuballigation

Speaktoyourhealthcareproviderformoreinformationaboutbirthcontrol.


Nooneshouldstopamotherfrombreastfeedingherchild,askhertocoverupormovehertoanotherplace.

Tips for breastfeeding in public1. Getcomfortablewithbreastfeedingyourbabyathome

withyourfamilyandfriendsbeforeyoubreastfeedinpublic.

2. Wearcomfortableclothes,aloosefittingtop,orabreastfeedingtop.Useablanketifyouwanttocoverup.

3. Justdoit!

What can I do if someone asks me to stop breastfeeding in public?1. Dowhatyouneedtodobreastfeedyourchild

comfortably.

2. Talktotheowner,manager,ortheindividualwhoaskedyoutostopbreastfeeding.Telltheperson:

• Itisyourrighttobreastfeedinpublic.

• YouwillmakeacomplainttothePElHumanRightsCommissionifyouareaskedagaintoleave,moveorcoverup.

3. Followupwithalettertotheownerormanager.Explainwhathashappenedandinformthepersonthatitisyourrighttobreastfeedinpublic.

4. Ifyouwish,followupwiththePElHumanRightsCommissionatcontact@peihumanrights.caorbyphoneat(902)368-4180or1-800-237-5031(TollFreeinPElonly).

How do I make a complaint?YoucanmakeacomplaintwiththePElHumanRightsCommission.Applicationformsformakingacomplaintareavailableat

http://www.gov.pe.ca/humanrights/index.php3?number=1 043536&1ang=E

Forinformationortotalktosomeone:

• seethePElHumanRightsCommissionathttp://www.peihumanrights.caor,

• [email protected],

• byphoneat1-800-237-5031(TollFreeinPElonly)

Breastfeeding in public

All mothers have the right to breastfeed their babies in public anywhere, anytime.


Youhavegivenyourbabythebestpossiblestartbybreastfeedingforthefirst6months.Breastmilkisstillthemostimportantfoodduringthefirstyearofyourbaby’slife.Youmaywanttocontinuetobreastfeedyourbabyfor2yearsorlonger.Thereisnorighttimetostop.Extraironisneededat6monthsanditistimetoaddsolidfoods.

Why breastfeed your older baby or child?• Breastmilkchangesasyourbabygrowstomeetyourbaby’schangingnutritionalneeds.

• Breastfeedingismorethanfood;it’salsoaboutyourrelationshipwithyourbaby.

• Whenyourchildissick,breastfeedingcanprovidecomfortandisaveryimportantsourceoffluidandfood.Breastmilkiseasytodigest.Itmaybeallyourchildwants.

• Breastmilkprotectsyourchildagainstinfection.Itstrengthensyourchild’simmunity.

Breast changesDon’tworryifyourbreastsfeelsoft;theywillstillmakeenoughbreastmilk.Anolderchildtakesbreastmilkfasterthananewborn.

Breastfeeding after the first 6 months

As your baby grows, you may experience changes in how often and long your baby breastfeeds. Your breast milk will change based on your growing baby’s needs.


Developmental changesAnolderbabybecomesmoreinterestedintheworldaroundthemandcangetdistractedeasily. Aquietplacewithlessdistractionmaykeepherattentiononbreastfeeding.

Teething Itisokaytobreastfeedevenwhenyourchildisgettingteeth.

• Yourbaby’sgummaybesore.Offeryourbabyacold,cleanclothorteethingringtochewonbeforebreastfeeding.

• Ifyourbabybites,staycalm.Say“No”andtakebabyoffthebreast.

• Yourbabymaybiteneartheendofthebreastfeeding.Watchforsuckingchangesattheendofthebreastfeedingasyourbabywillhavefewerswallows.Toendthebreastfeeding,pullyourbabycloseandshewillopenhermouthandpulloffeasily.

Nursing strikesSometimesababywhohasbeenbreastfeedingwellsuddenlyrefusestobreastfeed.Thisisnotthesameasnaturalweaning.

Tohelpyourbabyreturntoyourbreast:

• Talkgentlytoherandgivehermoreeye-to-eyecontact.

• Breastfeedyourbabyinaquiet,familiarplace.

• Breastfeedyourbabywhensheisrelaxedandnotcompletelyawake.

• Relax.Bepatient.Babiesusuallystarttobreastfeedagaininafewdays.

Ifyourbreastsaregettingtoofull,youcanexpresssomebreastmilkforcomfort.Youcanoffersomeexpressedbreastmilkfromacup.


Returning to work or schoolIfyouplantocontinuebreastfeedingwhenyoureturntoworkorschool,youcanexpressorpumpyourbreastmilk.Yourbreastswillcontinuetoproduceenoughbreastmilkaslongasyoubreastfeed,expressorpumpoften.Anyamountofbreastmilkisgoodforyourbaby.

Tips on breastfeeding and returning to work or school• Discussyourplanswithyouremployer.ThePEIHumanRightsCommissionstatesthatemployersarerequiredtoaccommodatewomenwhoarebreastfeeding.

• Practiceexpressingorpumpingyourbreastmilkbeforereturningtoworkorschool.

• Chooseacaregiverwhosharesyourbeliefsaboutbreastfeeding.

• Dependingonyourworkplaceorschool,youmayneedtofindaquietplacetoexpressyourbreastmilkorbreastfeedyourbaby.

• Talktootherwomenwhohavecombinedworkandbreastfeeding.

• Expressedorpumpedbreastmilkmaybegiventoyourbabyinasmallcupwhenyouareawayfromhome.Begintostorebreastmilkbeforereturningtoworkorschool.

• Thenumberoftimesyouwillneedtopumporexpressbreastmilkwhileyouareawayfromhomewilldependonthelengthoftimeyouareaway.

• Clotheswithpatternswillhelptohideleaks.

• Changesinbreastmilksupplyarenormalfromdaytodaysodon’tworryaboutthis.

• Pumpingbothbreastsatthesametimecanhelptodecreaseyourpumpingtime.

• Expressedbreastmilkmaybestoredinarefrigeratororacoolerbagwithicepacks.

Changes in your life

When you and your baby are together, you can breastfeed as much as you like. Breastfeeding your baby when you arrive home from work or school is a great way to bond.


Breastfeeding when you are pregnantYoucanbreastfeedwhenyouarepregnant.

• yournipplesmayfeelmoretender

• youmaymakelessbreastmilk

• yourbreastmilkmayhaveadifferenttaste

• mostchildrenhappilycontinuetobreastfeed

Rememberto:

• eatvarietyoffoods

• drinkwhenyouarethirsty

You can breastfeed an older child and a new baby, either together or at different times.


1. Questions:WhenshouldItakemybabyforacheck-upafterleavingthehospital?

Answer:Yourbabyshouldbeseenbyanurse,lactationconsultant,ordoctor3-5daysafterleaving thehospital.Yourbabyshouldthenhaveasecondcheck-upwithyourdoctor.Askyourdoctor whentheywanttoseeyourbabyforacheck-up.

2. Question:HowlongshouldIbreastfeed?

Answer:HealthPEIandtheWorldHealthOrganizationrecommendgivingonlybreast milkforthefirst6months.Thereisno“righttime”tostopbreastfeeding.After6months breastfeedingshouldbecontinuedfor2yearsormoreandbabiesshouldbegivenotherfoods.

3. Question:IsitsafetobreastfeedifIamsick?

Answer:Inalmostallcasesitissafetocontinuebreastfeeding.Ifyouaresickcallyourprimary healthcareprovider.

Questions about breastfeeding


4. Question:HowcanIcalmmycryingbaby?

Answer:Yourbabycriesformanyreasons;forexamplefood,comfort,warmthortobeheld. Babiescryanaverageof2-21/2hoursaday.Cryingpeaksat2monthsandgraduallydecreases bythefourthtofifthmonth.Yourbabymaycryforlongperiodsfornoreason.Trytocalmyour babyby:

• breastfeedingyourbaby

• holdingyourbabyskin-to-skin

• cuddlingorrockingyourbaby

• carryingyourbabyinacarrier

• wrappingyourbabylooselyinablanket

• burpingyourbaby

• changingyourbaby’sdiaper

• givingyourbabyabath

• givingyourbabyamassage

• takingyourbabytoaquietroom

Formoretipsreviewyour“PeriodofPURPLECrying”DVDortalktoyourPublicHealthNurse.

5. Question:Whatismothertomothersupport?

Answer:Supportfromothermotherswhoarealsobreastfeedingcanbehelpful.Thisincludes friendsandrelatives.YoucanalsomeetbreastfeedingmothersthroughLaLecheLeague, parentinggroupsorcallthePublicHealthNurseorFamilyResourceCentreinyourarea.


Public Health Nursing (PHN)O’Leary..............................................902-859-8720

Tignish..............................................902-882-7366

Summerside........................................902-888-8160

Kensington.........................................902-836-3863

Wellington.........................................902-854-7259

Charlottetown....................................902-368-4530

Montague..........................................902-838-0762

Souris..................................................902-687-7049

Lennox Island Health Centre..........902-831-2711Abegweit First Nation.....................902-676-3007

Lactation Consultants can be contacted by calling: CharlottetownPHN.............................902368-4530

SummersidePHN...............................902888-8160

PrinceCountyHospital.......................902438-4490(Maternal Child Care Unit)

QueenElizabethHospital....................902894-2267(Nursery)

Hospitals (available 24 hours/day)QueenElizabethHospital...................902-894-2267

(Nursery)

Family Resource CentresKidsWest,Alberton...........................902-853-4066

FamilyPlace,Summerside.................902-436-1348

Capenfants,(francophone).................902-854-2123

Wellington

CHANCES,Charlottetown.................902-892-8744

Mi’KmaqCentre,Charlottetown........902-892-0928

FamiliesFirst,Montague....................902838-4600

MainStreet,Souris.............................902687-3928

La Leche League(www.LLLC.caandwww.facebook.com/LLLCCharlottetown)

(Mother-to-motherbreastfeedinginformationandsupport.)

ChrisOrtenburger...............................902-675-2239LLLC.ChrisO@gmail.com

JenniferThompson.............................902-569-0454

The PEI Breastfeeding Coalition’s website has information getting help for breastfeeding concerns, and many community links. http://www.peibreastfeedingcoalition.org/

Telehealth PEI24hoursperday,7daysperweekCall:811Alinktoadetaileddirectoryof8-1-1healthtopicscanbefoundathttp://www.healthpei.ca/811

Where to Get Breastfeeding Help on Prince Edward Island

Health PEI has policies and practices that support breastfeeding.

Local Breastfeeding Clinics and Services

PH14

01GB

009

16HP

E41-

4578

7

Adapted and Reprinted with the Permission of Toronto Public Health

8 1 1

healthpei.ca/publichealth

Documents

Breastfeeding Your Baby - Prince Edward Island · Breastfeeding Your Baby eat (Adapted and Reprinted with the Permission of Toronto Public Health)3 Make an informed decision about